Lockheed Martin Tests Turrets Using Moog Test System

Moog Industrial Group, a leader in providing high-performance test and simulation systems, has delivered a Turret Test System to Lockheed Martin at their facility in Ampthill in the UK. The company plans to test turrets for stabilization and performance on the improved Warrior, pas part of the Warrior Capability Sustainment program and Scout Infantry Fighting Vehicles. The Moog system will enable Lockheed Martin to simulate the outdoors testing ennvironment in a laboratory, saving time, optimizing the testing process and improving the reliability of tests results.

Moog Industrial Group, a leader in providing high-performance test and simulation systems, has delivered a Turret Test System to Lockheed Martin at their facility at Ampthill in the UK. Lockheed Martin plans to test turrets for stabilization and performance on the improved Warrior, as part of the Warrior Capability Sustainment Program and Scout Infantry Fighting Vehicles; General Dynamics UK is the Prime Contractor for the latter. The product developments include fitting and integrating the 40 mm Cased Telescoped Gun in a new modernized turret. This requires optimization of gun aiming and stability performance during maneuvers for representing a typical battlefield mission.

In the past this type of testing was undertaken on an external remote test track or proving ground where engineers would adjust the gun aiming and stability settings under less than perfect conditions. Under real test track circumstances, engineers found it difficult to consistently replicate dynamic motion inputs and their work was further limited by weather conditions and the ever-changing terrain.

In order to find a solution to improve this way of testing Lockheed Martin turned to Moog, an expert in test, simulation and motion control. The Turret Test System Moog delivered included a 6 Degrees-of-Freedom (DOF) motion base, control cabinet and the Replication Module of the Moog Integrated Test Suites software.

The Moog Motion Base System delivers the desired dynamic performance with payloads up to 8,000 kg (17500 lb). On the top platform of the motion base, Lockheed Martin can install an actual turret or a remote weapon station. Moog Turret Test Systems can handle payloads up to 24,000 kg (53,000 lb) a...

The Moog Motion Base System delivers the desired dynamic performance with payloads up to 8,000 kg (17500 lb). On the top platform of the motion base, Lockheed Martin can install an actual turret or a remote weapon station. Moog Turret Test Systems can handle payloads up to 24,000 kg (53,000 lb) and meet specific requirements related to particular excursions, velocities or accelerations.

The Moog Replication Software accurately reproduces time history files that were recorded by means of a vehicle with full instrumentation on a traditional test track. This simulation occurs fully in a laboratory, saving time, optimizing the testing process and improving the reliability of test results. The iteration process in the Moog software quickly derives a set of command files that faithfully replicate the desired field responses.

The Moog Test System provides 24/7 testing in a controlled in-house environment, enabling the engineers to tweak and perfect the optimum vehicle set-up for combat readiness, saving the costs of putting a real fully operational vehicle on a test track and working in a totally confidential environment.

Advantages of the Moog Turret Test System include:

•Develop and test in a laboratory instead of on a remote test track
•Speed up the development process
•Conduct more cost-effective testing
•Accurate playback of the target file (RMS error typically <10%)
•100% motion repeatability
•User-friendly (2-3 day training)

Moog is an industry expert in vehicle platform integration and design. Our expertise in electronics, mechanical design and integration makes us an ideal partner in new vehicle platform design and manufacturing as well as vehicle upgrade and retrofits.